Superbugs found lurking in London underground
Date
8/1/2019 11:15:24 PM
(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Scientists have found multidrug-resistant 'superbug bacteria lurking on cash machines, escalators and handrails in London's underground rail system, shopping centres and hospitals and say they pose a potential risk to public health.
Research published in the journal Scientific Reports yesterday found 'disturbing and 'worrisome levels of antibiotic resistance, said Hermine Mkrtchyan, a specialist in biomedical sciences at the University of East London, who co-led the work.
'General public areas, which are part of our everyday life, can be reservoirs for multidrug resistant bacteria, she said. The levels found were 'further evidence that infection control measures, both in the hospitals and in public places, fail to limit the spread of resistant bacteria, Mkrtchyan said.
The research team collected a total of 600 samples of a bacteria known as staphylococci from public places and public areas of hospitals in East and West London. Of the 600, 281 were found to be multidrug resistant.
Among the areas sampled were surfaces such washroom door handles, taps, toilet seats, ATM machines, soap dispensers, escalator rails and pedestrian crossing buttons.
MENAFN0108201900670000ID1098834522
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.